The original PlayStation, or PS1, remains a legendary console that introduced countless gamers to the joys of 3D gaming. While classics like “Final Fantasy VII” and “Metal Gear Solid” are often celebrated, numerous gems have flown under the radar over the years. Here’s a look at 10 underrated PS1 games that deserve recognition.

Released in 1997, “Alundra” is an action-adventure game with a rich, engaging storyline. Players assume the role of Alundra, a young man who can enter people’s dreams. He arrives in the village of Inoa to discover that its inhabitants are plagued by nightmares that lead to real-world consequences. Alundra must solve intricate puzzles, fight enemies, and explore vast dungeons to uncover the source of these nightmares and save the villagers.

“Alundra” is often praised for its challenging puzzles and deep narrative. The game combines elements of both action and role-playing, offering players a unique experience reminiscent of “The Legend of Zelda” series. Its pixel art graphics and atmospheric music contribute to a hauntingly beautiful world. Despite its relative obscurity, “Alundra” is a must-play for fans of adventure games looking for a challenge beyond the mainstream offerings.

“Tomba!” is a colorful platformer that stands out due to its quirky design and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game follows Tomba, a pink-haired wild boy, on his quest to retrieve his grandfather’s bracelet from the Evil Pigs. Set in a vibrant, side-scrolling world, Tomba must complete various quests and solve puzzles to progress through the story.

“Tomba!” is celebrated for its creative use of side quests, which add depth and replayability to the game. The vibrant art style and humorous characters make it a joy to explore, while the engaging gameplay mechanics keep players hooked. Despite its charm and originality, “Tomba!” did not achieve the same commercial success as other platformers of its time, making it a hidden treasure for those who discover it.

“Vagrant Story” is an action role-playing game set in the fictional kingdom of Valendia. Players control Ashley Riot, a Riskbreaker agent tasked with investigating a cult leader in the mysterious city of Lea Monde. As Ashley delves deeper into the city, he uncovers a web of political intrigue and magical mysteries.

The game is known for its complex combat system, which allows players to target specific body parts of enemies for strategic advantage. Its dark, immersive storyline is enhanced by cinematic cutscenes and a sophisticated crafting system. “Vagrant Story” received critical acclaim but remained underappreciated by the broader gaming audience, making it an underrated masterpiece worth exploring.

“Klonoa: Door to Phantomile” is a charming platformer that tells the story of Klonoa, a creature with long ears, as he ventures through the dream world of Phantomile. Accompanied by his friend Huepow, Klonoa must stop an evil spirit from disrupting the balance of dreams.

The game is renowned for its innovative 2.5D graphics, combining 3D environments with 2D gameplay. Its engaging story and emotional depth captivate players, while the imaginative level design and puzzles offer a satisfying challenge. Despite its critical success, “Klonoa: Door to Phantomile” didn’t achieve widespread popularity, but those who play it often regard it as a hidden gem.

“Suikoden II” is a role-playing game that follows the journey of Riou, a young hero caught in the midst of a war between the Highland Kingdom and the City-States of Jowston. With over 100 characters to recruit, players must build an army and navigate a complex web of alliances and betrayals.

The game’s narrative depth and character development set it apart from other RPGs of its time. Its strategic battle system and base-building mechanics offer a unique twist on the genre. Despite its critical acclaim, “Suikoden II” struggled to find a large audience due to limited marketing and distribution, but it remains a beloved classic among RPG enthusiasts.

“Einhander” is a side-scrolling shoot ’em up developed by Square. Set in a dystopian future, players pilot a fighter craft called the Einhander to battle against the oppressive forces of the Selene colony. The game features a gripping storyline with multiple endings based on player performance.

“Einhander” is praised for its dynamic gameplay, which allows players to equip various weapons and adapt their strategy on the fly. Its stunning 3D graphics and intense soundtrack create an immersive experience. Despite its innovative design, “Einhander” remains one of the lesser-known titles from Square, making it a hidden gem for fans of the genre.

“Legend of Legaia” is an RPG that centers on three heroes: Vahn, Noa, and Gala, who must save the world from a mysterious mist that transforms creatures into monsters. The story unfolds as players explore dungeons, solve puzzles, and engage in turn-based combat.

The game’s unique battle system, which combines traditional turn-based mechanics with fighting game-style inputs, sets it apart from other RPGs. Its engaging storyline and character development captivate players, offering a memorable journey. Despite its innovative gameplay, “Legend of Legaia” didn’t achieve the same level of recognition as other RPGs, but it remains a beloved title for those who have experienced its charm.

“Brave Fencer Musashi” is an action RPG that follows the adventures of Musashi, a young swordsman summoned to save the Allucaneet Kingdom from invading forces. The game combines action-packed combat with puzzle-solving and exploration.

The game’s real-time combat system and humorous storytelling make it a standout title. Its vibrant graphics and engaging gameplay mechanics create an enjoyable experience for players of all ages. Despite its uniqueness, “Brave Fencer Musashi” didn’t garner the attention it deserved, but it remains a cult classic among PlayStation enthusiasts.

“Parasite Eve” is a survival horror RPG that follows NYPD officer Aya Brea as she battles against creatures mutated by a mysterious force known as Eve. Set in New York City, the game combines elements of horror, science fiction, and RPG mechanics.

The game’s real-time combat system and cinematic storytelling provide a thrilling experience. Its atmospheric graphics and haunting soundtrack enhance the tension, making it a memorable title for fans of the genre. Despite its critical success, “Parasite Eve” didn’t achieve widespread popularity, but it remains a must-play for those seeking a unique blend of horror and RPG elements.

“The Misadventures of Tron Bonne” is a spin-off of the “Mega Man Legends” series, focusing on the adventures of Tron Bonne and her Servbots. Players undertake various missions, including puzzle-solving, action, and strategy elements, to repay a family debt.

The game’s diverse gameplay mechanics and charming storyline make it a delightful experience for fans of the “Mega Man” universe. Its humorous characters and engaging missions offer a refreshing take on the genre. Despite its connection to a popular franchise, “The Misadventures of Tron Bonne” remains an underrated title that deserves more recognition for its creativity and fun.

In conclusion, these underrated PS1 games offer a wealth of unique experiences and innovative gameplay mechanics that have been overlooked by many. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the console or a newcomer seeking hidden gems, these titles are well worth exploring. Each game presents its own distinctive world, filled with captivating stories and memorable characters, making them essential playing for any gaming enthusiast.